The relationship between perceived stress and phubbing among Chinese young adults: A chain mediated model

Although perceived stress has been shown to be related to phubbing among young people, the mechanisms underlying this association remain poorly understood. This study explored the mediating effects of social anxiety and loneliness on the relationship between perceived stress and phubbing behavior. We recruited 792 Chinese adults aged 18–24 years to complete a questionnaire survey that measured perceived stress, social anxiety, loneliness, and phubbing behavior. The results indicated that perceived stress was positively correlated with phubbing behavior, whereas social anxiety and loneliness played chain mediating roles in the relationship between perceived stress and phubbing behavior. Our research findings have implications for the prevention and intervention of phubbing behavior among young adults. Future research can further explore the potential mechanisms for preventing phubbing behavior.